chrigelkarrer

Forum username: ChrigelKarrer
Real name: Chris
Posts: 795
Active years: 2010–2018
Primary forums: Photography Gear and Technique, Classifieds, Critter Identification
Specialization: Hugyfot housings, Nikon D800, wide-angle lens/dome port compatibility

Community Role

ChrigelKarrer (Chris) was an active Wetpixel community member from 2010 through 2018 who contributed extensively to technical discussions about underwater housing systems, lens performance, and travel logistics. Based in Sardinia, Italy, where he operated a dive shop, Chris brought a European perspective to the predominantly North American community and was one of the forum’s most visible Hugyfot housing users.

Chris was a technically minded photographer who focused on optimizing lens and dome port combinations for maximum image quality. His progression from an Ikelite system with a Nikon D90 to Hugyfot housings for the Nikon D7000 and Nikon D800 reflected a common community trajectory from mid-range to professional-level equipment. He was generous with his experience, regularly defending Hugyfot’s build quality and customer service when other members raised concerns.

Notable Contributions

• Hugyfot D800 housing and Sigma 15mm compatibility: Chris started one of the most informative threads on the challenges of using the Sigma 15mm diagonal fisheye with the Hugyfot D800 housing. He documented vignetting issues when using a Sea & Sea (Athena) OPD-F170V glass dome with a Sea & Sea-to-Hugyfot adapter that added approximately 20mm of extra distance. Community member Udo van Dongen and photographer John Bantin both contributed practical solutions, including the Hugyfot 4.5-inch mineral glass mini dome. The discussion helped other Hugyfot users navigate dome port selection for fisheye lenses (^[1]).

• DxO lens testing advocacy: Chris shared and promoted DxO Labs lens test results relevant to underwater photography, particularly their reviews of wide-angle lenses for the D800. The thread generated discussion about the practical applicability of lab testing to underwater shooting, with community member divegypsy noting that DxO scores at wide-open apertures may not reflect real-world performance at the stopped-down apertures typically used behind dome ports (^[2]).

• Hugyfot customer service advocacy: When a member reported difficulties with Hugyfot support and parts, Chris defended the company based on his own experience with two Hugyfot housings since 2011, stating he had always received quick responses and correct parts. He recommended contacting Pascal Eeckhoudt directly for support issues (^[3]).

• Critter identification and deep-sea interest: Chris demonstrated broad marine biology curiosity, starting a thread about an unusual deep-sea jellyfish (later identified as Deepstaria enigmatica) captured on ROV footage, reflecting interests beyond just photography equipment (^[4]).

• Travel logistics expertise: Operating from Sardinia, Chris frequently contributed to discussions about packing and transporting underwater photography equipment for air travel, including dome port protection and carry-on strategies — practical concerns for European-based photographers who often traveled to remote dive destinations (^[5], ^[6]).

Gear History

• 2008–2011: Nikon D90 in Ikelite housing, Ikelite DS-125 strobe, Tokina 10-17mm fisheye, Nikon 105mm macro, Nikon 18-105mm. Sold rig with Pelican 1600 case when upgrading (^[7])
• 2011–2014: Nikon D7000 in Hugyfot housing, with various dome and macro ports
• 2012–2018: Nikon D800 in Hugyfot housing, Sigma 15mm diagonal fisheye, Athena OPD-F170V glass dome, Hugyfot 4.5-inch mineral glass mini dome, Hugyfot acrylic dome. Also used Inon Z-240 strobes and Nikon SB-105 strobes
• Lenses used: Tokina 10-17mm fisheye, Sigma 15mm f/2.8 diagonal fisheye, Nikon 105mm macro, Nikon 18-105mm, Nikon 12-24mm

Activity Profile

• First post: March 5, 2010
• Last post: May 15, 2018
• Threads started: 29
• Total posts: 795
• Peak activity: 2012–2015, coinciding with his D800/Hugyfot setup
• Forum focus: Photography Gear and Technique (primary), Classifieds, Critter Identification, with contributions to travel logistics and post-processing discussions
• Dive shop location: Sardinia, Italy